The ace photographer who was known as a visual genius passed away yesterday after a long illness. Many in Bollywood have fond memories of the veteran

This year hasn’t been particularly good for Bollywood, especially with so many talented souls bidding a final adieu. Ace photographer Ashok Mehta, who was being treated at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for cancer, passed away yesterday. Many B-towners have had the opportunity of being photographed by the legend, and they have fond memories of Mr Mehta. We at Bollywoodlife hope that his noble soul rests in peace. Here are some tweets posted by the saddened celebs:

Preity Zinta

R.I.P Ashok Mehta ! The Country loses one more legend. May his soul rest in peace. He was one of the finest Human beings & cinematographer.

The acclaimed lensman succumbed to cancer at a Mumbai hospital

Cinematographer Ashok Mehta passed away in Mumbai today. He suffered from cancer and was being treated at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West. Actor Arjun Rampal who made his Bollywood debut in Mehta’s Moksha in 2001 had paid a visit to the ailing veteran just a few days back.

Mehta belonged to Sonepat in Haryana and was born in 1947. Legend goes that he had run away from home at the age of 14 and worked with street vendors in Mumbai, selling boiled eggs and watermelon slices. Soon, he was helping out on film sets, including the RK Studios in Chembur. He soon became camera attendant and got to learn the basics of lighting and cinematography. He got his first film, Raj Marbros’ The Witness, as cinematographer and went on to win several honours, including the National Film Award.